Wednesday, July 5th, 2006

Happy Birthday America!!
I hope all of you had a festive Fourth holiday! I had a great time at Kevin and Julie's annual party and it was so much fun to see all of the babies that were smaller than my Hudson. With that being said, let's get to it!!

Highland Brewing Company
Have I told you how much I love Highland Brewing Company? They make a special seasonal brew every year called Cold Mountain that I simply die for. The only problem with Cold Mountain is that it is only released once a year and in a very limited quantity.


My solution for the problem is sucking down as much Tasgall Ale that I can find. Tasgall has recently hit the area in 22 oz bottles now that the NC 6% beer limit has been increased. It is soooooo good and one of my favorite beers. But hey, let’s not forget about Gaelic, the brewery’s flagship beer. This beer is the perfect everyday beer. It goes great with food and damnit, it just tastes good. So, when I found this article from the Asheville newspaper stating that Highland was making an Imperial Gaelic, I got all giddy inside. Yep, that’s right – the Imperial Gealic will be the last beer to be brewed in the brewery’s old location and will be released in 1 litre bottles in Asheville only. Because I love all 3 of you who read my blog on a regular basis I’ll keep you posted on when it will be available in Asheville so you can score some for yourselves. Good Lord I can’t wait.

Ps-I feel I should disclose that my husband does some side work for Highland Brewery but please know that in no way would I let that affect my writing and opinions. If I didn’t like their products, I just wouldn’t write about it. With that being said, Highland rocks and you should support a local brewer!!


New Crack Beers
Well they’re at it again. Miller has just purchased Sparks caffeinated beer. Or should I say….caffeinated crap!! LOL
The citrus-flavored Sparks has taurine, ginseng and guarana, besides caffeine, and an alcohol content of between 6 percent and 7 percent, depending on the style. Its compound annual growth rate grew 107 percent between 2003 and last year, SABMiller said. Steel Reserve, with an alcohol content of 8.1 percent, saw sales grow 35 percent in the same period.
Wow! Maybe next they’ll come up with a beer that just cuts through the chase and has crack added to it. I know my girl Whitney Houston would love it. Hell, she and Bobby could sing the jingle. Oh wait, it seems that Miller has read our mind and already produced such product…

Miller launched its own caffeinated beverage, Mickey's Stinger, in California, Nevada and Arizona in late May, Marino said. He said he's heard the introduction has done well but it's still too early to tell whether the beverage will be sold beyond those markets.

Last year, Anheuser-Busch released Tilt, a raspberry-flavored malt beverage with caffeine and herbal additives. The company also offers B-to-the-E, which also has a sweet, caffeine-infused flavor. The company's high gravity lager, Hurricane High Gravity, launched in 2005.

The deal should also help Miller improve its distribution among urban convenience stores, where Sparks and Steel Reserve have strong placement, Marino said. Likewise Miller expects to bring those two brands into more supermarkets, he said.

Mickey’s “hand grenade” Stinger huh? Sure makes me want to run right out and buy some. B to the E? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Nice. It is clear to me that they are steering towards marketing to the wealthy white people of America who shop for alcohol in convenience stores!!

Trash-tastic Labels
I’ve posted in the past some very “interesting” wine labels. Believe it or not, I have found 2 more that deserve thoughtful observation.




First let me introduce you to Bubbles. Tiny Bubbles that is. Jebus, this label is hurtin in a bad kinda way. What would possess someone to buy this wine much less drink it is way beyond me. Tiny Bubbles reminds me of something you might see the morning after a night of debauchery at your sketchy friends bachelor party with a ringing headache and a rash that just won’t go away. Nice tatt Tiny!! Wait a minute...is that Roseann Barr on the label?? Oh man I gotta move on. This is disturbing.













Our second label is Cat Pee on a Gooseberry Bush. Mmmmmmmm. Doesn’t that make you want to but some? And what the hell is a gooseberry anyway?

In fact, if they make a red they should call it “Hot Steamy Pile o’ Crap Zin” or something to that effect. Yeah, I think I just vomited a little.







Restaurant Review
The old man and I hardly ever get to go out to eat anymore. Having a one year old who likes to throw tantrums (or silverware take your pick) just doesn’t make it to accessible for us anymore. However I am happy to report that over our miniature vacation we were able to eat lunch at Xia in downtown Winston Salem. The wait staff was decked out in all black and the walls were red. There was a large wall fountain hanging in the back and Asian inspired paintings around the rest of the dining room. The space they are working with was rather small but it seemed cozy as opposed to cramped. There was also a patio area in the front for those of us who live for al fresco dining. I thought it was pretty cool that the menu came in a bamboo holder and it was an actual cloth scroll that it was printed on. While the menu seemed a little “PF Chang’s” inspired, it was still very good. I had the Singapore street noodles and it was simply divine. It was just the right amount of spicy and savory. I highly recommend it. Pricing was in the $10-$15 range and the amount of food was worth it.

Xia
134 North Spruce Street
Winston Salem, NC
11-10 Monday – Saturday
336-723-1400

Cheers!